With the Rosanero in a rut and the transfer window still open for a few more weeks, the front office tandem of Maurizio Zamparini and Luca Cattani have been hard at work to bring in reinforcements. Despite not being a priority, Palermo snatched up Inter and Genoa co-owned goalkeeper (and Azzurri international) Emiliano Viviano – who was rehabbing at Inter from a knee injury he suffered several months back.
The Rosanero smartly bought Genoa’s half of the player’s contract for around €5 million. While the price seems high for just half of a keeper’s contract, the two clubs came to an agreement with Palermo paying the difference between Cesare Bovo (who was on a forced loan and buy) and Emiliano Viviano meaning the club is estimated to have spent about €1 million for his services. A good deal perhaps, but was it the right one? With Francesco Benussi, Alexandros Tzorvas and Jack Brichetto more than capable of handling the goalkeeper duties, grabbing a goalkeeper was not the most pressing issue that Palermo needed to address. Nevertheless, with Viviano in the fold, he’ll assume the number one duties as soon as he’s fully fit.
Meanwhile, the search for midfield help had taken many different avenues before one was eventually signed. After attempting to bring in Arevalo Rios, Angelo Palombo and Luca Rigoni, the Rosanero finally secured the services of a midfielder in Bari captain Massimo Donati. Apparently, a personal request of Bortolo Mutti, Palermo signed him for under €1 million while there is an option to send one of Adam Simon or another youngster to Bari on loan. The move does not necessarily spark the same amount of enthusiasm that the likes of a Palombo or Rios would provide for obvious reasons. Donati has been a journeyman of sorts with several longer lasting stints at Atalanta, Celtic and most recently Bari. It remains to be seen what kind of impact he’ll have in the midfield beyond being another option. He does have experience and has been a leader while at Bari.
With two more players brought in, Palermo still has a lot of work to do in order to ensure a better half of the season and Serie A safety. The Rosanero desperately need a regista if Bacinovic cannot regain the form he exhibited last year (or if he’s sold in this window). Furthermore, a true defensive partner not named Migliaccio would help both areas of the field at once. Carlos Labrin, the young defender who was on loan at Novara has returned to the Sicilian side, but he does not seem to be the answer (he should spend most of his time between the Primavera and the first team). There is no time to waste given all that is on the line. The club needs to right the ship and to do that they’ll need all able-bodied hands on deck. Forza Palermo!
Side note: check out my article over at Football Italiano on the current situation at Palermo
As far as the regista goes, I still have faith in Bacinovic’s abilities to take that spot, but I agree I have no idea what is going on in our defensive core
According to Wiki, the defenders on our squad currently are
Silvestre, Cetto, Mantovani, Labrin
Muñoz
Aguirregaray, Pisano, Balzaretti
The first four are CBs, with Silvestre a lock for starting, and rightfully so, in my opinion. Mantovani has had his moments, of good and bad, but perhaps too much of the latter for my own taste, and Cetto seems to always weaken our defense. Labrin is, as you point out, probably a youth team player or sub
Muñoz gets his own paragraph, as owner and manager seem to think he is a defensive stud who can play world class at both centerback and fullback, while having proved on the field that he is too slow and error prone to play either at all. I will rejoice when he is sold.
Which leaves Aguirregaray, Pisano, and Balzaretti as actual fullbacks. Balzaretti is obviously a lock. But Neither Pisano or Aguirregaray seem to be able to move up and down the flank well, either being too far forward, or too far back. And they are also not very proficient crossers. The lopsidedness that this gives our attack hurts us, and takes away a third of the pitch which can basically be left undefended by the opposition.
I may be speaking too soon, but I think that the striker position is finally full (assuming Mehmeti can contribute at least consistent substitute minutes), as is the midfield, where I would play one treq., and then three mids, (such as miggs-bacinovic-acquah/donati if he pans out.
Why there has been basically no talk regarding new defenders (especially given Blaza’s potential exit), is beyond me. Muñoz is a flop, Cetto is a flop. Aguirregaray is probably not far from being one. We basically have half a back four on our squad, and don’t even appear to be looking for the other half
/rant
Well, I guess scratch what I said about Bacinovic. Good enough or not, he’s gone. Hopefuly on a straight loan, because I can’t imagine Padova would be willing to pay much for his services.
Rubin Kazan have set the price for Bocchetti. 10 million will get a very solid defender in our squad to pair up with Silvestre. am i the only one who thinks we need to make this investment?
We can’t afford a 10 million expense, and most of all, Bocchetti earns about 3 millions per year in Kazan. Too much for Palermo’s standards.
oh wow, i didnt know he was on that kind of pay.
Yooo Benny
Anywhere else I should visit in Palermo? We have tickets for the genoa game and booked into the casa di amici hostel, which is central and right near one of the theatres. Whats palermo like for bars/shopping/nightlife? Anywhere the fans go for a pre game drink? And where is the club shop? At the stadia or in the highstreet?? Cheers
As for transfers, Viviano is good as we got rid of Bovo, gaining donati and losing bacinovic cant be good business but i hope i eat my words and i doubt anything else will happen, vazquez looks good but early days
You will have no problem with bars,shopping/nightlife in the city center, club shop is at the stadium but you will find better deals in town, if you are into history you are in for a real treat…..definately go to the Norman Cathedral it is an amazing feat of mans building ability, and get ready to eat the best food ever. After palermo be sure to try and check the rest of the island out to…Agrigento, Syracusa, Trapani, and even Catania are wonderful cities. My wife and i visit her family there every 2 years we will move there someday when the time is right. Enjoy yourselves emensly!
as Nesta said, no problems for bar and shopping, Via Libertà can be perfect for you, while for night life you can go to Candelai or Champagneria. Don’t worry about pre-game drink, some hour before the game, in front of the stadium, you will find a lot of stands (more panini ca’ meusa than drinks, but that’s how we do!). I don’t think there’s a club shop at the stadium… You’d better try anywhere else, for example in Via Imperatore Federico, 6 http://bit.ly/x64xoG
This club is being run by Francesco Schettino!
I would never wish injury on anyone, but I think Bacinovic’s loan falling through would be good if it happened. Even if it meant he was out for a month. Palermo seems content on not bringing anyone else in, so even if its on the bench, Armin staying would be helpful imo
I really dont know what to say about Bacinovic. Hes been inconsistent and a constant red card worry. He can be good when he hits that stride but even last season the stride didnt last long. Would be nice if we could get Pizzaro. if not only for the skill in midfield, then to at least help Bacinovic progress a bit.